Getting smart with your Accountant or Bookkeeper

We will explore some questions you as a business owner should ask your bookkeeper or accounting provider, so you can be sure you have the best suited accountant/bookkeeper to your business. Choosing an accountant or bookkeeper can be tricky, often the one we start with is the one we continue with throughout our business journey rightly or wrongly. But is this serving the best needs of your business and is the person the right person for the job?

How do you price your service? When will I be invoiced? How much will I be invoiced?

The number one question that needs to be asked, what is the Cost or what am I paying for? Being landed with a hefty accountancy bill at a time when you could have done with the money for cash flow is a nuisance for businesses. Being invoiced monthly basis where your annual fee is split over 12 months could be the answer to this problem. Clarify what service you are paying for today.

Can you provide me with monthly/quarterly accounts? Can you make sure you monitor the key indicators of my business?

Having an accountant that keeps your accounts information up to date is great in modern business, having an accountant that can sit down, challenge and discuss with you each month/quarter and analyse this information and give you feedback on the key indicators to your business this is what will make your business thrive even more.

When and how can I contact you if I need an answer to an important question about my business? What if I can’t make it into your office?

When you have a question that you feel is urgent and you need an answer A.S.A.P, this is where the true value of your accountant/bookkeeper when your question is urgent to them and they endeavor to answer it as swiftly as possible. This shows that they appreciate and want to look after you and you’re your business.

Do you understand my business? Can you provide references from similar businesses?

Finding an accountant that knows your business is key to developing a strong relationship with that person. Having someone that has experience in your industry will ensure that the accountant/bookkeeper will be aware of the issues that may affect your business. This will give you an advantage to have someone in the know to help drive your business in the right direction.

Do you use cloud based accounting software? Will I have access to my accounts whenever I want?

I’m sure every business owner likes to know where they stand at different points throughout the year and be able to look at this in their own time. With the growth in cloud based accounting providers it is now possible to have access to your accounts anywhere, anytime. This gives you flexibility when looking to access your accounts.

You decide how does your bookkeeper/accountants rate with the questions asked?

TESTIMONIALS

We use Accounting Anytime for both our aviation businesses, which operate across Europe and worldwide. Ours is a complex business and it’s great to work with a company that is so flexible. Accounting Anytime looks after all our accounting, bookkeeping and tax needs as well as acting as our financial advisors. We are happy with the service which keeps improving every year and adapting to suit our needs.

I started using Accounting Anytime because it was easier to deal with a Polish-speaking accountant. The accounting terms are different so it was handy to be able to speak to Mariusz in Polish. I use the Xero software every day and speak on the phone to either Pamela or Hanna and they are always very helpful.

Wojciech Terlecki, Director, Tegre.ie

I’ve used Accounting Anytime for various accountancy needs over the years. I have always found the team to be very efficient and reliable. They always respond in a timely fashion to any queries I may have. We also use their Xero software and find it very easy to use.

Declan Dolan, Partner DCA Ireland

Accounting Anytime are more than our accountants — they help our business grow, improve and develop. The staff are always at the end of the phone with lots of advice. We run seven retail shops and don’t work 9 to 5 but they never say they cannot take the call – no matter if it is weekend or a bank holiday. This is not our experience of previous accountants.

Anita Jezuit, Polska Strefa

When I started, I thought I could do the accounts myself but I quickly realised I was out of my depth. The main reason we chose Accounting Anytime was the ability to access our accounts anywhere and at anytime — and if we need extra help, we just drop into the office. As they also look after all our bookkeeping and tax compliance, I can concentrate on growing the business.

Luke Saunders, Owner Studyclix.ie

The staff at Accounting Anytime are easy to talk to and are always there to help and answer queries immediately. The online accounting system is excellent and can be accessed anywhere. I monitor it closely but Gary will have done an in-depth analysis of our accounts before our monthly meetings and will always find a way that we can further improve the business.

Kevin Egan, Owner Kevin Egan Cars

We were using Accounting Anytime before we even opened our doors. Gary was invaluable at the start-up phase, helping us form the company and focus on our margins. Now, we get monthly data and expert advice, which helps us make solid business decisions based on real figures. It’s a good reality check. Rather than waiting until year end, we can address any issues immediately.

David Dunne, Owner Knox Restaurant

TIME FOR NEWS

We will explore some questions you as a business owner should ask your bookkeeper or accounting provider, so you can be sure you have the best suited accountant/bookkeeper to your business. Choosing an accountant or bookkeeper can be tricky, often the one we start with is the one we continue with throughout our business journey rightly or…